NFL Labor talks extended -What it could mean for the 49ers

Several sites are now reporting that the labor talks between the NFL owners and the players union have been extended for another week. That’s a good sign for the 49ers, who would benefit from an quick resolution of the labor impasse.

A long lockout could be disastrous for the 49ers in the short term.

For example, if there’s a shortened training camp and even a abbreviated season, the 49ers will be at a disadvantage because they have a new coach trying to install a new system.

John and Jed York have a lot at stake in a new labor agreement.

You could say the other eight teams with new coaches are stuck in the same predicament. But four of those coaches (Vikings, Cowboys, Raiders, and Titans) were promoted from within, so presumably, no change in scheme is needed. Of the other four (Panthers, 49ers, Browns and Broncos), only the 49ers are without at least one promising player at quarterback. Also the 49ers are the only team with a coach from the college ranks.

Consequently, this could quickly be a lost season if the 49ers are unable to get their players coached up and a quarterback comfortably installed. And since no players can sign as of 9 p.m. last night, the deadline to re-sign Alex Smith has passed.

The team could easily see their season sour even from last year’s 6-10 debacle.

In the long run, the 49ers need a strong deal for ownership so they can fund their new stadium. Unlike many of their fellow owners, the Yorks are not billionaires. They also don’t have a thriving side business that could help fund the football operation. Also, the 49ers are one of the lowest revenue teams, if not the lowest, in the league.

Consequently, the 49ers will likely push for a huge set aside for stadium construction not only in savings realized from lowering the percentage devoted to players’ compensation, but also from their fellow owners. Being a low-revenue generator, the 49ers will likely want to retain as much revenue sharing as possible.

The worst case scenario for the 49ers is to endure a long lock out and then to get a bad deal from the players. That development could seriously damage the team short- and long-term prospects.